Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
SDCM-0189
Organization's ID:
Astronomy 101
Organization:
Length:
22 weeks (47 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 introduction to astronomy
Description

Objective:

The course objective is for students to get a sense of the universe's enormity and discover the infinitesimal portion of history occupied by human existence.

Learning Outcomes:

  • identify contributions and major theories related to the study of astronomy in ancient and modern times
  • describe the basic features and motions of the night sky
  • identify and describe the theories related to the beginning, evolution and fate of the universe
  • explain how galaxies, including the Milky Way, are formed and distributed
  • identify types of galaxies and their properties
  • describe the formation and evolution of the solar system and its planets and bodies
  • identify and describe the major characteristics of the sun, planets, moons, and small bodies in the solar system, including meteoroids, asteroids, and comets
  • describe the formation, evolution, and death cycle of a variety of different star types
  • identify theories related to the origin of life and describe predictors of life on other planets
  • describe the physics of light and the electromagnetic spectrum and explain how telescopes can be used to detect and study both

General Topics:

  • The historical background of astronomy
  • The basics of astronomy
  • The physics of astronomy
  • Understanding orbits in astronomy
  • The earth-moon system
  • The solar system
  • The inner solar system
  • Gaseous planets in the solar system
  • Comets, moons and asteroids
  • Understanding the science of the sun
  • Types of stars in the universe
  • Formation and evolution of stars
  • Stellar death and remnants
  • Formation and structure of the Milky Way
  • Properties and characteristics of galaxies
  • Cosmology overview
  • Relativity in space and time
  • Overview of life in the universe
  • Tools and instruments for astronomy
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials